Young Alumni Leadership Award

Nick Symmonds '06

Nick Symmonds, a biochemistry major, has spent the last decade among the fastest men in the world. The 800-meter specialist has already competed in two Olympic Games and is gunning for a third.

He was, in some ways, typical here — relentlessly involved, a multitasker, forward-looking. In the sciences he investigated our most fundamental natures; beyond Willamette he’s continued to do the same thing by competing, learning about people around the world, and learning about himself. His well-known drive continues unabated, so we’re sure we haven’t seen the last of him — after all, he’s renowned for his late kicks.